Larry Ballard and Pollyann Tatarczuk Earn NEA-NH Recognition


At the 2024 Delegate Assembly, NEA-New Hampshire members enjoyed keynote remarks from New Hampshire Teacher of the Year Liz Duclos. 

The event was also an opportunity to highlight members who go above and beyond for their students and their communities. 

The Christa McAuliffe Award was presented to Larry Ballard in recognition of his contributions towards the improvement of the educational environment.

Larry has been a dedicated member of the Amherst Education Association for more than 25 years. He has served as Communications Chair, a member of the bargaining team, and local president for ten years. At the state level, Larry presently serves on the NEA-NH Executive Board representing the Southern Region. As an educator and parent, Larry understands that an educator’s work environment is also a student’s learning environment and he has worked to make Amherst schools safer and healthier environments by pushing for clean and healthy school buildings, and obtaining commitments for air and water quality testing in Amherst schools before those were required by the state legislature.

Pollyann Tatarczuk received the Jo Campbell Education Support Professional Award in recognition of her exemplification of the spirit and tenacity of Josephine “Jo” Campbell. 

“Mrs. T” has been a member of the Exeter Paraprofessional Association since its establishment. This year, she is responsible for running small math and reading groups with students who have IEPs in 4th and 5th grade. Pollyann works tirelessly to ensure all students receive the best quality education and takes time to assist other paraprofessionals as well.